Where the #@!% is Cyprus??

I want to start by saying that I didn't know where Cyprus was either. (PS If you click on a link, hit the back button to return to blog, NOT the x in top right corner.) When Barb told me that we were moving to Cyprus, literally my first question was "where the fuck is cyprus?"
So, to everyone reading this, please know I'm not making fun of anyone. I just thought it might be helpful if I posted some of the questions I've been asked along with the answers (in case any of you were going to ask the same ones.)
So, I'll start with the basics.
Q: How are you liking Germany?A: We're actually not in Germany. We're in Cyprus.Q: Oh. So, that's not in Germany?A: Nope. But it IS in the EU. So, close.
Q: How's Turkey?A: We're actually not in Turkey. We're in Cyprus. But I can see why it is confusing because Barb was forced to learn Turkish for the 9 months prior to the move. And the northern third of the island is occupied by Turks. It is called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. But we don't live there. We live in the south.
Q: How's Greece?A: We're actually not in Greece. We're in Cyprus. No, it isn't a Greek island. Well, technically it is because it is an island and the people who live there speak Greek. But it is actually its own little country. It's called Cyprus.
Q: So you live in Cypress? That's awesome. I LOVE Florida.A: We're actually not in Florida. We're in Cyprus. I'm sorry, I should've spelled it for you. It is CYPRUS. Not Cypress. Understandable mistake though.
Now that we've got that covered...
Q: Is it by Iran?A: Yes, sort of. It is closer to Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and maybe some eastern european countries. But I suck at geography, so I actually had to look at a map. You might find it helpful as well.
Q: Is it in Europe?A: Tricky question. Yes. It is in the EU. But it is further east than the rest of europe. For a better view, see this map. It shows eurpoe better than the other one.
Q: Do they use the Euro?A: No. They use the Cypriot pound.Q: Oh, the british pound?A: No, it is different.Q: What's it worth?A: 1 pound is roughly $2.25. But when you look at a price tag, you would think it is in dollars. Yes, that means that almost everything is double the price of what it is here. Maybe that's why I spent $400 on clothes today. I mean I only spent £180! That's not so bad!
Q: What language do they speak?A: To me? English. To each other? Greek. (Except in the north. See #2)
Q: Am I fluent in Greek yet?A: hahahahhahahahahaaaa
Q: Why are you buying snow boots if you live on a tropical island?A: Sorry to disappoint anyone who is ( or was) planning on coming to visit. Cyprus isn't a tropical island. It has four seasons. Right now it is "winter." OK, so it has been in the upper 60's/low 70's for the majority of November and December, but it does have the potential to get pretty cold. Actually, I hear it is pretty cold there right now. And apparently January and February are freeeeeeeezing.
Now for the important things.
Q: Do they have starbucks?A: YupQ: Gap?A: NopeQ: Yuengling?A: NopeQ: Corona?A: YupQ: Snow?A: Don't even get me started! It snowed in Cyprus today. Meanwhile here I am in NJ praying for snow so I can so skiing this weekend. Grrr....Q: Internet? Cable or DSL?A: Yup. But it is ADSL (yeah, i don't understand the difference)Q: American TV shows?A: Old reruns of Friends. And we have satellite so we get MTV, VH1, Discovery, CNN and some others. But no new shows. And definitely no L Word (But I do have a friend who downloads all the episodes!)Q: Dunkin Donuts?A: Nope, but I'm bringing back DD coffee with me!Q: Taco Bell?A: Unfortunately no, they do not have the only fast food that I will actually eat. But they do have McDonalds (of course) Burger King, KFC, some others too, I don't really know.
Q: Do I drive on the wrong side of the road?A: No, that would just be too dangerous. But yes, I do drive on the left. And the right side of the car. Yes, it was hard to get used to. No, I haven't gotten in any accidents (for the most part). No I didn't bring my ford focus with me. Yes, I bought a car there. Yes, it is little. Yes, most of them are. But yes, they do have SUVs. (And yes I still hate SUVs.)
And my favorite question so far....
Q: Can I come visit?A: YES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (buy your ticket already! )